Progression After Molecular Targeted Agents: Hepatic Arterial Changes and Transarterial Chemoembolization in...

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary imaging and intervention
• Oncology
• Vascular radiology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management often involves multimodal therapy.
• Molecular targeted agents (MTAs) are increasingly used in HCC treatment.
• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a standard locoregional therapy for HCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in hepatic artery diameters following MTA treatment in HCC patients.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TACE as a subsequent treatment after MTA in HCC.
• To investigate the impact of MTA on the vascularity of HCC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 33 intermediate HCC patients treated with MTA and TACE.
• Evaluation of hepatic artery, splenic artery, and portal vein diameters before and after MTA.
• Assessment of TACE safety and therapeutic effect post-MTA treatment.

Main Results:

• Significant decrease in hepatic artery diameters after long-term MTA treatment.
• No significant changes observed in splenic artery or portal vein diameters.
• TACE following MTA was safe, with no major adverse events, but showed limited therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

• MTA treatment leads to hepatic artery narrowing, indicating ischemic effects and potential tumor vessel normalization.
• TACE can be safely administered after MTA without compromising hepatic reserve.
• The therapeutic benefit of TACE is diminished when used after MTA in HCC treatment.